5 Reasons to Spend the Weekend in Vegas

The inaugural Life is Beautiful fest will make a trip off the Strip worth your while. A two-day cribsheet, here

Written by Gemma Fine

The bright lights won’t just be on the Strip this weekend as the first ever Life Is Beautiful festival kicks off in a 15-block space in downtown Las Vegas. The fest features 50 music acts with Kings of Leon and Beck among the headliners, 25 speakers, 60 chefs and a slew of other exciting attractions, from circus acts to live theater. You can check out the full schedule for the weekend here, but read on for the events we’re most excited for.

1. The Killers

The award-winning rockers, who’ve sold more than 14 million albums worldwide, are one of the few acts performing at Life Is Beautiful that are actually from Las Vegas. Don’t let any of talk them you into playing cards.

2. Michael Jackson ONE

Cirque du Soleil’s latest creation opened exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in June 2013 to glowing reviews. Now the showis coming to the streets, determined to enchant, mesmerize and utterly beguile its audience with the music of the late king of pop.

3. Bruce & Eric Bromberg

Fresh off the opening of their latest venture, Manhattan’s Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, the brothers Bromberg will be at Life is Beautiful to share not only their knowledge but their grub as part of the Chefs on Stage series.

4. Haim

This trio, made up of three sisters, is the most popular band of the moment and will be bringing hits including “The Wire” and “Forever” to the fest.

5. Tony Horton

After all the food and drink available, perhaps a good workout won’t be a bad idea. Thankfully P90X creator Tony Horton will be on hand to discuss his exceedingly popular fitness program.